đź”— Share this article Man City Accused of Rule-Bending in Narrow Win Over Leeds United - Daniel Farke Leeds boss Daniel Farke believed Man City shot-stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma feigned an knock during the second half of their top-flight clash Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break Second-Half Comeback Thwarted Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the interval following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for "Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented "This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution" Manager's Frustration "I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited" "Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain" Stoppage-Time Winner Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this term Tactical Changes Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad "During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden "We really struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right" Encouraging Signs for Leeds United The last time Leeds United lost four straight successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their current form and moving up the standings "Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great chance to earn the results," Farke added "We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room" Expert Analysis Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half" "Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed in this second period" "Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs" "It looked like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"